From SPIEF 2026 to SPROUTS: Tatarstan Strengthens Ties with China Through New Air Routes, Technologies and Agreements

On 3 June 2026, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) officially opened and will run until 6 June 2026. The Forum has brought together representatives of business, government, international organisations, academia and the expert community.

At SPIEF 2026, Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, spoke about plans to expand direct air links between Kazan and Chinese cities and presented the concept of the region’s exhibition stand at the Forum.

New opportunities are emerging in air connectivity between Russia and China. At present, two routes are available: Kazan-Sanya, primarily serving leisure travellers, and Kazan-Shanghai, which operates regular direct flights. The latter route is actively used by residents and businesses across the Volga Federal District. According to Minullina, negotiations are currently underway regarding the launch of a direct Kazan-Beijing service.

“We are currently in discussions regarding a Kazan-Beijing route, and in the longer term we are also considering Sichuan Province. We would very much like to establish a direct flight to Chengdu as well,” Minullina noted.

She emphasised that the development of direct interregional air links with China would have a positive impact on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as tourism. Last year, the Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, also highlighted the importance of launching direct flights from Tatarstan to Beijing, Sichuan, Shenzhen and Heilongjiang. These new routes have the potential to significantly boost both tourist flows and business activity.

The expansion of air connectivity is further supported by China’s decision to extend its visa-free regime for Russian citizens until 31 December 2027. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, demand for travel to China during the May holidays increased by approximately 15 per cent, and experts expect this upward trend to continue throughout the year.

In August, Kazan is set to host the fourth annual business forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”, which aims to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. Scheduled for 16–19 August 2026*, the Forum takes on particular significance as Russia and China celebrate the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

The Forum is designed to foster stronger business ties, identify new opportunities for growth and support the implementation of joint projects. Registration for participants will remain open until the conclusion of the event.